It was a game-changer in every one of their stories.
The heroes of faith in the Bible all wanted to make the most out of the life they had been given. But the journey was not without some kind of struggle that needed to be overcome.
Whether it was a battle that needed to be won, a problem that needed to be solved, or a vision from God regarding their future, the struggle was real and often against insurmountable odds.
Their calling was their life’s work and purpose. A work so much greater than themselves, victory would have never been possible in their own strength and power.
How did FAITH arise within these individuals to face and overcome such insurmountable odds?
What is faith?
† Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 NRSV
Think about the greatest heroes of faith in the Bible, particularly those mentioned in Hebrews 11.
There are 19 individuals or groups of people that God wanted us to read about and remember in this great Hall of Faith chapter of the Bible. In fact, the words, “By faith…” are recorded throughout this one chapter 19 times.
The stories of these heroes of faith are legendary, playing a seismic role in the lives of people throughout history, even today. They are forever linked together by a common thread, for every one of their stories was made possible only by faith.
Without Faith
No one wants their life to end in tragedy, especially when it could negatively impact the lives of so many others. We can only imagine how these heroes’ stories would have turned out without faith.
† And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 NRSV
It wasn’t something most people had. The faith these heroes had was uncommon.
These heroes had a faith that caused them to come alive. It brought life into their being so much so that they could not help but live out their faith in the public arena. It was the kind of faith God could use to powerfully impact the lives of others.
An extra-ordinary faith, it moved them beyond their own fears and insecurities as they resolved to pursue a different kind of reward, a greater reward.
A reward the world could never offer, they would come alive to fulfill their life’s work and purpose only in responding to God’s calling by faith.
Faith is a precious gift
The word precious means costly, of extreme value, especially in the eye of the beholder. It calls our attention to something that is of great price; something that is never to be wasted or treated carelessly.
Precious is the descriptive word the Apostle Peter used to describe the gift of faith received by those he was writing to in his second epistle.
† Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:1 NRSV
Faith is a precious gift because it’s totally dependent upon God speaking first, and then, our responding to what God has said.
In other words, . . .
Faith requires God to make a declaration before a man or woman can respond to His voice!
This is WHY the great men and woman of faith in Hebrews 11 are so inspiring and worth noting. Their faith wasn’t a product of their own initiative, but one of response to a word initiated by God Himself.
They recognized the precious voice of God speaking directly to their hearts. It gave them the assurance and cause to believe with conviction about what they heard.
The lesson here for us?
An authentic gift of faith rising within us, is not man-made or brought forth by one’s own initiative. It begins with God taking the first step, and then us, taking the next step.
When you read about these great men and woman of faith in Hebrews 11, you’ll also see the words, “By faith,” preceding their names 19 times.
“By faith,” can literally mean, “In response to what they heard God say, they did this________.”
So where does this kind of faith come from?
† So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 NKJV
Let me encourage you today:
Jesus is the Author, the Intiator, and Perfector of our faith, who calls us to prayer as He knocks on the door of our hearts.
Jesus said, . . .
† ”Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20 NKJV
This one verse makes prayer so profound and intimate, yet simple. It tells us prayer can simply be learning to open that door and inviting Him in; and then allowing Him to reveal what He wants to reveal to us.
Jesus also said, . . .
† “My Father has entrusted everything to Me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”
Matthew 11:27 NLT
When Peter professed his faith in Christ, saying to Him, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” . . .
† Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because My Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.“
Matthew 16:17 NLT
Any love we have for God has always been in response to what He first initiated.
† We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 NKJV
What is God saying to you?
What will you do by faith in response to what you hear Him saying? How will you APPLY faith to the breakthrough, God may be speaking to you about today?
Jesus is already here with us, knocking on the door of our hearts. If you don’t know Him, let Him in and start following Him today!
If you do know Him, stay active in reading God’s Word. Learn to discern His voice and act upon what you hear Him saying to you.
† The one who is righteous will live by faith.
Romans 1:17b NRSV
The more you put this habit into practice, the more you’re going to come alive. Faith will rise within you! Breakthrough won’t feel out of reach. You’ll see it for yourself. God will breathe life into you, transform and empower you to do what most people say can’t be done!
Let me PRAY for you!
Lord Jesus, You are the Author, Initiator and Perfecter of our faith! You’re already knocking on the door of all hearts present here today.
Lord, give us the grace to open the door and let You in. Give us a deeper appreciation of this precious faith You have imparted to us through Your Word and work on the cross. Let it renew our lives! And as we learn to respond more intimately to Your voice, let faith like we’ve never had before, rise within us. Use it for the breakthrough need or dream we are now laying at your feet. And more importantly, use it for Your glory! In Your name, we pray. Amen!